VMAC Report 1/8: Seahawks Insist ‘All About Us’

during their NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 4, 2014 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.Drew Brees (Elsa/Getty Images)

Yes, Drew Brees is one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play in the National Football League. True, the New Orleans Saints have a creative head coach in Sean Payton, and a much improved defense. It still won’t be enough to beat the top-seed Seattle Seahawks if they look any where close to themselves Saturday afternoon.

If there is a common theme in the locker room and on the VMAC practice field this week it’s been the phrase, “It’s all about us.”

“Things should go well if we just play our game, ” insisted defensive end Michael Bennett. “Run the ball, stop the run, and get to the quarterback. If any team does those things they’ll win a game. We’ve been doing those things a lot of the times consistently, so we just have to do what we do.”

While Seattle sacked Brees just one time during the resounding 34-7 victory over New Orleans on December 2nd, the Hawks defense did hold the Saints to just 147 yards passing and forced a costly turnover. Bennett caught a Brees’ fumble in mid air and took it back for a touchdown.

“I think a lot of fans put emphasis on sacks, but you can dominate a game without getting a lot of sacks, ” pointed out Bennett. “A lot of times what we do is hit the quarterback, get in his way, and mess up a lot of throws.

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Seattle’s Wednesday injury report listed linebacker K.J. Wright (foot) and strong safety Kam Chancellor (hip) as not participating in practice. Wright could start some running on Thursday but will not play Saturday against the Saints.

Receiver Percy Harvin (hip), was listed as a full participant. It’s looking more likely he might be available for the NFC Divisional Playoff game at CenturyLink Field. We should get a more definitive answer from coach Pete Carroll following Thursday practice.

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Running back Marshawn Lynch @MoneyLynch used his facebook account to say he appealed and beat his $50,000 NFL fine for not doing media interviews this season. The NFL clarified its ruling by saying Lynch’s fine is on hold. If he complies by speaking with the media during the playoffs the $50K will be returned. If he doesn’t, it’s $50K plus another $50K.